For Those Who Think They Don’t Like Sake

“I don’t like sake.”

Many people think this. But do you really not like sake?

Actually, many people can learn to enjoy sake once they identify and address what turned them off.

Why You Might Not Like Sake

Reason 1: Strong Alcohol Sensation

Sake’s alcohol content is 15-16%. That’s three times higher than beer (5%).

If your first sake had a strong alcohol punch, “sake is harsh” becomes your lasting impression.

Solution Choose low-alcohol sake. Options range from 8-12%.

Reason 2: Distinctive Smell or Taste

There’s even a phrase “nihonshu-kusai” (smelling of sake) for sake’s distinctive aroma that many find off-putting.

This characteristic is common in cheap sake or sake stored poorly.

Solution Choose fruity Ginjo sake. Some have apple or melon-like aromas.

Reason 3: Bad Experience

At a college party, you chugged cheap sake. Then came the hangover…

Such experiences create negative associations with sake itself.

Solution Quality sake, in moderation, sipped slowly. It’s a completely different experience.

Reason 4: Wrong Temperature

Many people have only had sake heated (atsukan). If you don’t like hot sake, chilled sake is entirely different.

Solution Try chilled sake. The aroma is gentler, creating a completely different impression.

Reason 5: Food Pairing

Drinking sake alone can make it taste too strong.

Solution Drink with food. Not just Japanese cuisine—it pairs surprisingly well with various dishes.

Characteristics of Easy-Drinking Sake

Types to Choose

Sparkling Sake The easiest to drink. Champagne-like bubbles with fruity sweetness. Lower alcohol (5-8%). Will change your image of sake.

Recommended brands:

• Ichinokura Suzune
• Mio
• Jozen Mizunogotoshi Sparkling

Low Alcohol Sake Lower than standard alcohol content. Around 8-12%. Light and won’t tire you out.

Recommended brands:

• Fukucho Seafood
• Amano-sake Low Alcohol
• Seasonal low-alcohol releases from various breweries

Sweet Ginjo Sake Fruity aroma with gentle sweetness. Popular with women and beginners.

Recommended brands:

• Dassai Junmai Daiginjo
• Dewazakura Oka Ginjo
• Houou Biden

Nigori-zake (Cloudy Sake) Direct rice sweetness. Creamy, almost like dessert.

Recommended brands:

• Gorohachi
• Shirakawago
• Various breweries’ nigori offerings

Types to Avoid (At First)

• Honjozo (stronger alcohol sensation)
• Dry Junmai (too dry for beginners)
• Koshu/Aged Sake (distinctive flavor)
• Cheap pack sake (variable quality)

Recommended Ways to Drink

Serve It Chilled

5-10°C is ideal. Gentle aroma, clean finish.

Chill thoroughly in the refrigerator, or serve over ice. Try “sake on the rocks.”

Change Your Glass

Instead of ochoko, try a wine glass.

The aroma opens up, it looks elegant. Your impression of sake will change.

Drink with Water

Called “yawaragi-mizu”—a water chaser.

Sip sake, then sip water. Prevents overdrinking and refreshes your palate.

Make It a Cocktail

Sake-based cocktails are even easier to drink.

Simple Recipes

Sake Tonic Sake + Tonic Water + Lime

Sake Mojito Sake + Soda + Mint + Sugar

Sake Sangria Sake + Fruit + A little liqueur

Pair with Dessert

Sweet sake and sparkling types pair with desserts.

• Vanilla ice cream + Nigori-zake
• Chocolate + Aged sake (Koshu)
• Fruit + Sparkling sake

Let go of the notion that “sake = something you drink during meals.”

Steps to Overcome Your Dislike

Step 1: Start with Sparkling

Lowest barrier to entry. You’ll be surprised: “This is sake?”

Try “Mio,” available at convenience stores.

Step 2: Try Low-Alcohol Sweet Types

Once comfortable with sparkling, move to low-alcohol Ginjo.

Choose fruity, easy-drinking options.

Step 3: Move to Chilled Junmai Ginjo

At this point, you might not be able to say “I don’t like sake” anymore.

Try classic Junmai Ginjo chilled. You should be able to enjoy the rice umami and aroma.

Step 4: Explore Various Types

Dry sake, warm sake, aged sake… The world is vast.

Preferences vary. Try different sakes to find what suits you.

Misconceptions About Sake

”Sake Gets You Drunk Quickly”

In moderation, it’s no different from other alcohol. It’s higher proof, so adjust your quantity accordingly.

”Sake Gives Hangovers”

Quality sake in moderate amounts rarely causes hangovers. The problem is drinking cheap sake in large quantities.

”Sake Is an Old Man’s Drink”

Now popular with young women too. More people enjoy it at trendy bars.

”Sake Only Goes with Japanese Food”

Cheese, meat dishes, pasta, desserts… It pairs with surprising foods.

If You Still Don’t Like It

You don’t have to force yourself.

Alcohol preferences are personal. Not liking sake is nothing to be ashamed of.

But if you get the chance, try the easy-drinking types introduced here. Your impression might change.

Summary

The reason people don’t like sake is usually “a bad first encounter.”

Try sparkling sake or fruity Ginjo, served chilled.

“Sake can be this easy to drink?”

That day might come.

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For more about sake, check out Your First Sake: A Beginner’s Guide.